Christplant
Euphorbia milii · Euphorbiaceae
📷 Matt Kieffer · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around christplant and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Crown of thorns
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Foliage type
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn (red, pink or yellow flowers)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Warm climate plant (to be grown indoors or in a conservatory)
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez uniquement quand le substrat est complètement sec, idéalement tous les 10-15 jours en été. Le piège majeur est le terreau qui reste humide : utilisez un mélange très drainant (cactus/succulente) et un pot percé. En hiver, réduisez drastiquement l'eau, quasi au sec.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers arrosent trop régulièrement, pensant bien faire : la plante pourrit au niveau du collet et les feuilles jaunissent. Elle meurt plus souvent d'excès d'eau que de sécheresse.
The pro's trick
Si votre couronne d'épines ne fleurit pas, c'est souvent un manque de lumière directe. Placez-la à la fenêtre la plus ensoleillée possible (sud ou ouest idéal) : la floraison redémarre généralement en 3-4 semaines. C'est le levier le plus efficace.
Seasonal watch
En hiver, en dessous de 13°C, la plante entre en dormance et peut perdre ses feuilles temporairement : c'est normal. Mais attention aux courants d'air froid et aux radiateurs qui créent des chocs thermiques ; éloignez-la de toute source de chaleur directe et de fenêtre exposée aux appels d'air.
Care
Light exposure
Place your Crown of thorns in a very bright location, ideally in direct sunlight. It needs 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily to flower abundantly. Indoors, prefer a south or west-facing window.
Watering
Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between waterings. During the growing season (spring-summer), water once a week. Significantly reduce watering in winter. Avoid excess humidity which promotes root rot.
Soil and substrate
Use a well-draining mix: cactus and succulent potting soil, or regular potting soil mixed with coarse sand or perlite. Drainage is essential. A pot with drainage holes at the bottom ensures excess water is eliminated.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring-summer) with a balanced or flowering plant fertilizer, approximately once a month. Reduce or stop feeding in autumn-winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering or in spring to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or diseased stems. Wear gloves when handling: the sap can be irritating.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Maintain good drainage and air circulation to prevent rot. If problems occur, isolate the plant and treat if necessary.
Did you know?
The Crown of thorns gets its name from the legend that it was used to make the crown of Christ. Originating from Madagascar, it has conquered Mediterranean and tropical gardens thanks to its generous flowering and great heat hardiness. It's a remarkably well-adapted plant for dry, bright environments.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.